This game has been billed as Dylan Raiola's college debut, but the reason the Huskers will cover is because they have starters returning on the offensive line, at receiver and running back. Raiola only needs to be a game manager. Also, UTEP will have five new starters on the offensive line. Playing a season opener at Memorial Stadium would be a tough ask for any offensive line, much less one that hasn't played a game together yet. Give me Nebraska.

The Dylan Raiola era begins at Nebraska as the highly touted freshman won the starting QB job. I'm sure there will be growing pains. The Huskers were an awful offensive team last year in averaging 18.0 PPG. Matt Rhule teams always play good defense, though, and that unit ranked eighth nationally in rushing defense, 11th in total defense and 13th in scoring defense in 2023. Nebraska held eight opponents to 14 or fewer points. I struggle to see UTEP top 17 points, so are the Huskers scoring 34? I obviously think not. UTEP was one of the top defensive teams in C-USA in 2023 and brings back some key players led by pass rusher Maurice Westmoreland. Something like 31-13 sounds right.